he was condemned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was condemned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is judged or declared guilty, often in a legal or moral sense. Example: "After a lengthy trial, he was condemned for his crimes and sentenced to life in prison."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was condemned.

The New York Times

The court said the officer had an opportunity to be heard before he was condemned.

Cornell University

He was condemned and that has not gone away.

The Guardian - Books

Like him, He was condemned and put to death.

The New Yorker

Refusing to appear in Rome under command of Pope Paul IV, he was condemned in 1558.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This time he was condemned to be pendu et etranglé ("hanged and strangled").

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pressure was huge on him because he knew he was condemned to years in prison".

Independent

In June 1945 he was condemned to death, in absentia, for treason.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In March 1530 he was condemned as a rebel at Florence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For this observation, he was condemned as a rightist and a racist.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was condemned by the group for his painting The Enigma of Hitler.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was condemned" when you want to emphasize a formal judgment or strong disapproval from an authoritative entity. Be specific about the entity doing the condemning for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "he was condemned" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler phrases like "he was criticized" or "he was blamed" would be more appropriate. Using formal language in an informal setting can sound unnatural or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "he was condemned" is to act as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject received the action of condemnation. Ludwig examples show this phrase being used to describe legal judgments, moral disapproval, and historical events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

31%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he was condemned" is a common passive construction used to express that someone has received a judgment or strong disapproval, as supported by Ludwig AI. It appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. It is grammatically correct and effectively communicates a negative consequence or formal censure from an authority. Remember to use this phrase when precision and formality are needed, and consider simpler alternatives for informal settings. It's important to be aware of who did the condemning for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he received a guilty verdict

Replaces 'condemned' with a phrase that specifies the legal outcome of a trial.

he was found guilty

Focuses on the judicial declaration of guilt, similar to being condemned.

he was sentenced

Highlights the punishment or consequence imposed after a judgment.

he faced severe criticism

Emphasizes strong disapproval or censure, not necessarily a formal judgment.

he was ostracized

Indicates social exclusion or rejection, a consequence of condemnation in some contexts.

he was vilified

Suggests a public and harsh condemnation, often involving defamation.

he was demonized

Implies portraying someone as evil, which is a strong form of condemnation.

he was stigmatized

Focuses on the imposition of a negative label or mark, similar to being condemned.

he was branded a traitor

Specifies the nature of the condemnation, indicating betrayal.

he suffered public disgrace

Emphasizes the public humiliation associated with being condemned.

FAQs

How can I use "he was condemned" in a sentence?

You can use "he was condemned" to indicate a strong disapproval or judgment. For example, "He was condemned by the public for his actions".

What are some alternatives to "he was condemned"?

Alternatives include phrases like "he was found guilty", "he was criticized", or "he was denounced", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "he is condemned"?

While grammatically possible, "he is condemned" is less common than "he was condemned", which refers to a past judgment or condemnation. "He is condemned" implies a current state of being condemned, which is less frequently used.

What's the difference between "he was condemned" and "he was accused"?

"He was accused" means someone has made a formal charge against him, while "he was condemned" means he has been judged and found guilty or deserving of strong disapproval. Accusation precedes condemnation.